3 Priorities, 3 Solutions in EU-Russian Ties
In an opinion editorial for The Moscow Times, Janos Martonyi, the foreign minister of Hungary, and Alexander Stubb, the foreign minister of Finland, comment on Russia-EU relations.
Martonyi and Stubb note that Russia is their strategic partner and a major player in many areas. Russia is also a European country and our close neighbor. They states that the time is ripe to give a new boost to European Union-Russian relations, while continuing open and sincere dialogue based on common interests and values.
Finland and Hungary share a long history with Russia, and both have joined the EU rather recently. In future relations with Russia, they see three priority goals. The first relates to the economy, where currently the most pressing issue is Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. They argue that the ultimate goal is a free-trade area between Russia and the EU. Second, they call for interaction between people, with visa-free travel. And thirdly, in the foreign arena, partnership can only be successful in the long run if it is value-based and pursued in the spirit of mutual respect and confidence.
Martonyi and Stubb call on the EU to be more united and act faster. They suggest that a strategic discussion on Russia within the EU would be very welcome. And a modern, legally binding basis for the relationship is necessary; with more effective working structures.
They conclude that the most important factor in building a strong EU-Russian relationship is mutual trust and playing by the same rules. On many issues, the ball is now in Russia's court, but the EU is ready to play.